Phendimetrazine Tartrate
A to Z Drug Facts
| (fen-dye-ME-tra-zeen TAR-trate) |
| Bontril PDM |
| Tablets: 35 mg |
| Bontril Slow-Release |
| Tablets: 35 mg |
| Melfiat-105 Unicelles |
| Tablets: 35 mg |
| Prelu-2 |
| Capsules, sustained-release: 105 mg |
| Class: CNS stimulant/Anorexiant |
Actions May stimulate satiety center in brain, causing appetite suppression.
Indications Short-term (few weeks) adjunct to diet plan to reduce weight.
Contraindications Hypersensitivity to sympathomimetic amines; pregnancy; advanced arteriosclerosis; symptomatic cardiovascular disease; moderate to severe hypertension; hyperthyroidism; glaucoma; agitated states; history of drug abuse; during or within 14 days following the administration of an MAOI.
Route/Dosage
ADULTS and CHILDREN (³ 12 yr): PO Tablets or capsules 35 mg bid or tid before meals; sustained-release capsules 105 mg once daily in the morning before breakfast.
Interactions
Guanethidine: May decrease hypotensive effect of guanethidine. MAOIs (eg, phenelzine); furazolidone: May cause hypertensive crisis and intracranial hemorrhage. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine): Sympathomimetic effects of phendimetrazine and risk of “serotonin syndrome” may be increased.
Lab Test Interferences None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
CARDIOVASCULAR: Palpitation; tachycardia, hypertension. CNS: Overstimulation; restlessness; dizziness; insomnia; euphoria; dysphoria; tremor; headache; psychosis. DERMATOLOGIC: Allergic urticaria. GI: Dry mouth; unpleasant taste; diarrhea; constipation. GU: Impotence; changes in libido.
Precautions
Pregnancy: Do not use in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Lactation: Undetermined. Children: Safety and efficacy not established in children < 12 yr. Special risk patients: Use with caution in patients with glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes mellitus. Drug dependence: Psychological and physical dependence may occur with continued use; this class of drugs has been extensively abused. Tolerance: Tolerance to the anorectic effect usually develops within a few weeks.
| PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS |
|
Administration/Storage
- Discontinue MAOIs ³ 14 days before initiating therapy.
- Administer sustained-release capsule once daily in the morning. Medication is slowly released over 12 hr.
- Swallow sustained-release capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, or open capsule.
- Administer immediate-release tablet bid to tid as prescribed, 1 hr before meals. Administer last dose several hours before bedtime.
- Store at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F).
Assessment/Interventions
- Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies. Note history of advanced coronary artery disease, moderate to severe hypertension, hyperthyroidism, sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, glaucoma, agitation, history of drug abuse, or concurrent or recent MAOI therapy.
- Ensure that patient receives dietary instructions regarding caloric restriction.
- Determine baseline weight. Weigh periodically during therapy to monitor response to therapy.
- Monitor blood sugar in diabetic patient more frequently when drug is started or dose is changed.
- Monitor patient for CNS, CV, GI, and general body side effects.
| OVERDOSAGE: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS |
| | Restlessness, tremor, hyperreflexia, rapid respiration, confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, panic states, fatigue, depression, arrhythmias, hypertension, hypotension, circulatory collapse, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, convulsions, coma, death |
|
Patient/Family Education
- Explain name, dose, action, and potential side effects of drug.
- Advise patient using immediate-release tablet to take prescribed dose 1 hr before meals and to take last dose several hours before bedtime.
- Advise patient using sustained-release capsule that medication is slowly released over 12 hr and to take dose in the morning. Advise patient to swallow the capsule whole and to not crush or chew the capsule.
- Encourage patient to follow medically supervised weight reduction program. Emphasize that this medication will only work in conjunction with a caloric restricted diet and exercise program.
- Advise patient that medication should be taken as prescribed and to not stop taking or change the dose unless advised to do so by the health care provider.
- Explain that appetite suppressant effects are temporary and tolerance to medication and dependence can occur. Caution patient not to increase the dose in an effort to overcome the tolerance when it occurs.
- Remind diabetic patient to monitor blood sugar more frequently while implementing dietary restrictions and to notify health care provider if significant changes in blood sugar occur.
- Caution patient that drug may impair the ability to drive or perform other tasks requiring mental alertness.
- Advise patient to notify health care provider immediately if the following symptoms occur: chest pain, palpitations, nervousness, dizziness.
- Advise patient to notify health care provider if experiencing any unusual or unexplained symptoms.
- Advise women to inform the health care provider if becoming pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Warn patient not to take any prescription or otc drugs or dietary supplements without consulting the health care provider.
- Advise patient that follow-up visits may be necessary to monitor therapy and to be sure to keep appointments.
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Copyright © 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts